Regulatory challenges of digital health: the case of mental health applications and personal data in South Africa

Front Pharmacol. 2025 Apr 30;16:1498600. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1498600. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the regulatory challenges posed by digital mental health applications in South Africa, particularly regarding the collection and protection of personal data. It aimed to assess whether South Africa’s current legal framework sufficiently protects users’ sensitive mental health data amidst the rise of digital mental health solutions, especially in the context of privacy concerns.

METHODS: The research focused on the intersection of digital mental health applications, data protection laws, and user privacy in South Africa. It examined existing legal frameworks, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), National Health Act (NHA), and Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The study reviewed relevant literature, legal texts, and case studies, focusing on mental health applications in both urban and rural contexts.

RESULTS: While South Africa has laws in place to protect personal information, these laws have significant gaps in addressing the unique risks associated with digital mental health technologies. Key findings include inadequate regulation of AI-driven mental health tools, insufficient guidelines for third-party data sharing, and challenges with cross-border data transfers.

DISCUSSION: The implications of these findings suggest that South Africa needs to modernize its legal framework to better regulate digital mental health tools and ensure user privacy. This includes improving AI regulation, strengthening consent mechanisms, and enhancing protections against third-party data misuse. Future research should focus on developing specific legal guidelines for mental health data and addressing the vulnerabilities faced by rural populations with low digital literacy. The study’s conclusions align with global concerns over the ethical implications of mental health datacommodification and emphasize the need for robust, adaptable regulatory approaches.

PMID:40371347 | PMC:PMC12074941 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2025.1498600